Призрак оперы / The Phantom of the Opera

His two sisters and his brother, Raoul[24 - Raoul – Рауль], would not hear of a division, leaving themselves entirely in Philippe’s hands. When the two sisters married, on the same day, they received their portion from their brother—as a dowry for which they thanked him.

The Comtesse de Chagny, had died in giving birth to Raoul, who was born twenty years after his elder brother. At the time of the old count’s death, Raoul was twelve years of age. Philippe gave young Raoul a taste for the sea. The lad finished his course with honors and made his trip round the world.

He had just been appointed a member of the official expedition, which was to be sent to the Arctic Circle. Meanwhile, he was enjoying a long furlough.

The shyness of the lad—I was almost saying his innocence—was remarkable. He was petted by his two sisters and his old aunt. He was a little over twenty-one years of age and looked eighteen. He had a small, fair mustache, beautiful blue eyes and a complexion like a girl’s.

Philippe was very proud of Raoul and pleased to foresee a glorious career for his junior in the navy in which one of their ancestors had held the rank of admiral. Philippe wanted to show him Paris, with all its luxurious and artistic delights. Philippe himself had a character that was very well-balanced in work and pleasure alike; and he was incapable of setting his brother a bad example. He took him with him wherever he went. He even introduced him to the foyer of the ballet.

On that evening, Philippe, after applauding the Daae, turned to Raoul and saw that he was quite pale.

“Don’t you see,” said Raoul, “that the woman’s fainting?”

“You look like fainting yourself,” said the count. “What’s the matter?”

But Raoul had recovered himself and was standing up.

“Let’s go and see,” he said, “she never sang like that before.”

The count gave his brother a curious smiling glance and seemed quite pleased. They were soon at the door leading to the stage.

Raoul tore his gloves without knowing what he was doing.

They reached the stage. Raoul was leading the way, feeling that his heart no longer belonged to him. Count Philippe followed him with difficulty and smiled. The count was surprised to find that Raoul knew the way. He had never taken him to Christine’s himself and came to the conclusion that Raoul must have gone there alone while the count stayed talking in the foyer with Sorelli.